Winter beards, personal protests and a question
In the fall and getting ready for winter, some guys choose to either grow a beard or let the one they have grow out a bit. I'm in the latter group. Shortly after the 2016 election and still reeling from the results, I got the brilliant idea that I would personally protest two-scoops selection by letting my beard grow until he was gone, one way or the other. Figuring he would only last a few months, it was an easy decision. After more than a year and a minor 3 indictment/1 guilty plea trim, it's now grown down to mid-chest, fairly full and mostly white/gray. I've no regrets so far and am prepared to grow it to a possible Yosemite Sam-like conclusion until this bleak Drumpf winter is over.
When folks greet me with a "Hey, Santa", my little protest often gives me a chance to explain why I'm growing it, what I think of the mess we're in and my opinion on what we might do about it (GOTV!). Kind of a built-in soap box, if you will. We live in a red state and I'd guess the reactions range equally from "attaboy" to neutral to "what an asshole".
So, I'd be curious if any other DU'ers are doing either a similar beard thing, or other personal, anti-45 protests in order to facilitate dialogue. For instance: more shopping at the local co-op, not mowing half the lawn while putting the other half to corn, painting the garage door hi-viz blue, becoming vegan, etc., etc? Anyone?
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I generally like beards. My ex had one when I met him, and the first time he shaved it off I was horrified at what he really looked like.
But I'm in favor of a neatly trimmed beard. Mid chest doesn't work for me. Of course, you and I will probably never meet, so that opinion may not matter.
Why you are growing it is completely irrelevant to new acquaintances. All they see is what you look like. Not that you have to care much about that, but do be aware of it. Looks matter. Things like hair and grooming matter.
Not sure if this will help, but I'll offer it anyway. Both of my sons have an auto immune disorder called alopecia areata, which causes hair loss. And they both have the most extreme form, alopecia areata universalis, which means they have no hair whatsoever. No head hair, no facial hair, no armpit hair, no leg hair, no arm hair. So they look a bit different from most guys. And those who choose to shave their heads? Do NOT try to tell me that it's the same as being bald. Because it's not. First off, if you shave your head you can just not shave and the hair will grow back. But also, especially to someone like me, I spot that stubble, even twenty minutes after the last shave, and trust me, it's VERY different from totally bald no hair whatsoever.
Sorry about the rant.
But I just want you to be aware that your hair status will affect others. I am NOT saying you should shave or even trim your beard, just that you need to be cognizant of its affect on others. Check in with relatives or good friends if you need to. No matter what, keep your personal hygiene up to a good standard and all will be well.
And since you are not doing a Santa thing, don't worry about it. Once your hair and beard are completely white, however, you may want to consider work as a Santa. 
The mid-70's was when I got my topside locks shorn also, keeping a reasonably close cut since; however, I was too politically naive back then to have a reason other than convenience. Here's hoping a Mueller-induced session with sharpened shears comes our way long before next winter.
